The Importance of Cosmology in Culture: Contexts and Consequences

Abstract

Scientific cosmology is the study of the universe through astronomy and physics. However, cosmology also has a significant cultural impact. People construct anthro pological cosmologies (notions about the way the world works), drawing in scientific theories in order to construct models for activities in disciplines, such as politics and psychology. In addition, the arts (literature, film and painting, for example) comment on cosmological ideas and use them to develop plot lines and content. This chapter illus trates examples of such work, arguing that scientific cosmology should be understood as a significant cultural influence.